From 26 to 30 May, Vienna (Austria) hosted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference focused on stakeholder involvement in nuclear energy development. The Rosatom delegation, led by Marina Kirdakova, Head of the Department for Liaison with Regions, was one of the largest. It included 13 experts from Rosatom, municipal authorities, and public organizations.The IAEA held the conference for the first time, responding to growing interest from member states in improving communication and collaboration around nuclear projects. The event brought together global players to share experience and explore new approaches to engaging stakeholders.
“We clearly demonstrated to our colleagues that the dialogue on nuclear energy development should take place not only at the expert level but also with active participation from local communities. We shared our experience in integrating nuclear enterprises into regional life –from social initiatives to cultural heritage support. For Rosatom, transparency and engagement are not just slogans – they are part of our everyday work,” said Marina Kirdakova.
During the panel discussion “Nuclear Energy for Real-World Needs: An End-User Dialogue”, Andrey Rozhdestvin, General Director of Rusatom Energy Projects, noted the important role of nuclear energy not only in the transition to environmentally friendly energy sources, but also in meeting the energy needs of the industrial sector, especially in remote and isolated regions. By providing a reliable supply of energy and heat for industrial consumers, nuclear energy contributes to the development of regions, acting as an effective tool for industrialization, economic growth and technological advancement.
Maria Oseeva, Head of International Nuclear Infrastructure Projects at Rosatom International Network, stressed the importance of working with newcomer countries:“No country can move from debate to project without involving stakeholders. Rosatom works across continents. We have developed a guidebook for stakeholder interaction. Some approaches are universal, but the best results come when you adapt to the local context – and that only happens with strong community collaboration.”
Alexandra Yustus, Head of the Communications Department at Rosatom International Network, highlighted the role of opinion leaders and agenda-setters in shaping public perception. She called public acceptance the foundation of any successful nuclear project, emphasizing that only through ongoing dialogue and broad stakeholder involvement can the safety and reliability of nuclear energy be effectively communicated.
Polina Lion, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rosatom, addressed the Flash Talks session, calling on nuclear companies to build ESG expertise and engage with regulators to secure recognition of nuclear as a green and sustainable energy source.
One of the key moments of the conference was the first major global meeting of communities that host nuclear facilities. Dozens of mayors and local leaders, including representatives of Indigenous peoples, shared their experiences and insights. Among them were Lyudmila Danilova, Executive Director of the Kupol Social Development Fund and Vice President of the Association of Indigenous Minorities of Chukotka, and Andrey Zakhartsev, Head of the Zarechny Municipal District and Chairman of the Association of Territories of Nuclear Power Plants of Russia. They shared how nuclear infrastructure has become part of local socio-economic development strategies.
At the close of the event, 67 nuclear community leaders from 26 countries endorsed a joint statement affirming the benefits of nuclear energy and underlining the importance of public engagement in making projects successful and sustainable.
